A Simple Hello Can Lead To A Hundred Smiles And Hugs

Earlier this morning, I seem to have crossed paths countless of times with this young boy at the Amber Fort here in Jaipur. It’s interesting because the Amber Fort is H-U-G-E. On the tenth or so time we saw each other, he came up and said hello. I don’t know if he was following me or what have you but I ignored his greetings. He could be a baby hawker, for all you know. And then I saw him yet another time. After he said hello, I thought it wouldn’t hurt if I said hi back. So I did. He just stood there and smiled at me. I didn’t know what to do or say next — he barely spoke any English. He was adorable so I asked, using sign language, if I could photograph him and if I could get a photo with him. He nodded. I gave my camera to my bf and he said “I knew you were gonna do that!”. Took this cute shot of him, said thanks, and before you know it, he grabbed my hand, led me to and friend (could be a family member, too) and his mother who photographed us. A minute or two later, their whole group, women and children wanted a photograph with me! Instant tourist attraction right then and there. Who knew Prada’s bananas had universal appeal? Barely anyone spoke a word except hugs, smiles and clicks of a camera or cellphone button were exchanged in the end.